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Xiao X, Ding J, Yu M, Dong Z, Cruz S, Ding N, Aubinet C, Laureys S, Di H, Chen Y. Exploring the clinical diagnostic value of linguistic learning ability in patients with disorders of consciousness using electrooculography. Neuroimage 2024; 297:120753. [PMID: 39053636 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
For patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC), accurate assessment of residual consciousness levels and cognitive abilities is critical for developing appropriate rehabilitation interventions. In this study, we investigated the potential of electrooculography (EOG) in assessing language processing abilities and consciousness levels. Patients' EOG data and related electrophysiological data were analysed before and after explicit language learning. The results showed distinct differences in vocabulary learning patterns among patients with varying levels of consciousness. While minimally conscious patients showed significant neural tracking of artificial words and notable learning effects similar to those observed in healthy controls, whereas patients with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome did not show such effects. Correlation analysis further indicated that EOG detected vocabulary learning effects with comparable validity to electroencephalography, reinforcing the credibility of EOG indicator as a diagnostic tool. Critically, EOG also revealed significant correlations between individual patients' linguistic learning performance and their Oromotor/verbal function as assessed through behavioural scales. In conclusion, this study explored the differences in language processing abilities among patients with varying consciousness levels. By demonstrating the utility of EOG in evaluating consciousness and detecting vocabulary learning effects, as well as its potential to guide personalised rehabilitation, our findings indicate that EOG indicators show promise as a rapid, accurate and effective additional tool for diagnosing and managing patients with DoC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyue Xiao
- International Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome and Consciousness Science Institute, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Key Laboratory of Ageing and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Junhua Ding
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK
| | - Mingyan Yu
- International Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome and Consciousness Science Institute, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Key Laboratory of Ageing and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Zhicai Dong
- International Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome and Consciousness Science Institute, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Key Laboratory of Ageing and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Sara Cruz
- The Psychology for Development Research Centre, Lusiada University Porto, Porto 4100-348, Portugal
| | - Nai Ding
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Charlène Aubinet
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness & Centre du Cerveau, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium; Psychology & Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - Steven Laureys
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness & Centre du Cerveau, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - Haibo Di
- International Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome and Consciousness Science Institute, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Key Laboratory of Ageing and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China.
| | - Yan Chen
- International Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome and Consciousness Science Institute, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Key Laboratory of Ageing and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China.
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2
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Gallucci A, Varoli E, Del Mauro L, Hassan G, Rovida M, Comanducci A, Casarotto S, Lo Re V, Romero Lauro LJ. Multimodal approaches supporting the diagnosis, prognosis and investigation of neural correlates of disorders of consciousness: A systematic review. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:874-933. [PMID: 38140883 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The limits of the standard, behaviour-based clinical assessment of patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) prompted the employment of functional neuroimaging, neurometabolic, neurophysiological and neurostimulation techniques, to detect brain-based covert markers of awareness. However, uni-modal approaches, consisting in employing just one of those techniques, are usually not sufficient to provide an exhaustive exploration of the neural underpinnings of residual awareness. This systematic review aimed at collecting the evidence from studies employing a multimodal approach, that is, combining more instruments to complement DoC diagnosis, prognosis and better investigating their neural correlates. Following the PRISMA guidelines, records from PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus were screened to select peer-review original articles in which a multi-modal approach was used for the assessment of adult patients with a diagnosis of DoC. Ninety-two observational studies and 32 case reports or case series met the inclusion criteria. Results highlighted a diagnostic and prognostic advantage of multi-modal approaches that involve electroencephalography-based (EEG-based) measurements together with neuroimaging or neurometabolic data or with neurostimulation. Multimodal assessment deepened the knowledge on the neural networks underlying consciousness, by showing correlations between the integrity of the default mode network and the different clinical diagnosis of DoC. However, except for studies using transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with electroencephalography, the integration of more than one technique in most of the cases occurs without an a priori-designed multi-modal diagnostic approach. Our review supports the feasibility and underlines the advantages of a multimodal approach for the diagnosis, prognosis and for the investigation of neural correlates of DoCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Gallucci
- Ph.D. Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- NeuroMi (Neuroscience Center), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Erica Varoli
- Neurology Service, Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico-Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione (IRCCS ISMETT), Palermo, Italy
| | - Lilia Del Mauro
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriel Hassan
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Margherita Rovida
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Comanducci
- IRCSS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Milan, Italy
- Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Casarotto
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzina Lo Re
- Neurology Service, Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico-Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione (IRCCS ISMETT), Palermo, Italy
| | - Leonor J Romero Lauro
- NeuroMi (Neuroscience Center), University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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3
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Errante A, Ferraro S, Demichelis G, Pinardi C, Stanziano M, Sattin D, Rossi Sebastiano D, Rozzi S, D’Incerti L, Catricalà E, Leonardi M, Bruzzone MG, Fogassi L, Nigri A. Brain activation during processing of mouth actions in patients with disorders of consciousness. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae045. [PMID: 38434219 PMCID: PMC10907975 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
In the past 2 decades, several attempts have been made to promote a correct diagnosis and possible restorative interventions in patients suffering from disorders of consciousness. Sensory stimulation has been proved to be useful in sustaining the level of arousal/awareness and to improve behavioural responsiveness with a significant effect on oro-motor functions. Recently, action observation has been proposed as a stimulation strategy in patients with disorders of consciousness, based on neurophysiological evidence that the motor cortex can be activated not only during action execution but also when actions are merely observed in the absence of motor output, or during listening to action sounds and speech. This mechanism is provided by the activity of mirror neurons. In the present study, a group of patients with disorders of consciousness (11 males, 4 females; median age: 55 years; age range: 19-74 years) underwent task-based functional MRI in which they had, in one condition, to observe and listen to the sound of mouth actions, and in another condition, to listen to verbs with motor or abstract content. In order to verify the presence of residual activation of the mirror neuron system, the brain activations of patients were compared with that of a group of healthy individuals (seven males, eight females; median age: 33.4 years; age range: 24-65 years) performing the same tasks. The results show that brain activations were lower in patients with disorders of consciousness compared with controls, except for primary auditory areas. During the audiovisual task, 5 out of 15 patients with disorders of consciousness showed only residual activation of low-level visual and auditory areas. Activation of high-level parieto-premotor areas was present in six patients. During the listening task, three patients showed only low-level activations, and six patients activated also high-level areas. Interestingly, in both tasks, one patient with a clinical diagnosis of vegetative state showed activations of high-level areas. Region of interest analysis on blood oxygen level dependent signal change in temporal, parietal and premotor cortex revealed a significant linear relation with the level of clinical functioning, assessed with coma recovery scale-revised. We propose a classification of the patient's response based on the presence of low-level and high-level activations, combined with the patient's functional level. These findings support the use of action observation and listening as possible stimulation strategies in patients with disorders of consciousness and highlight the relevance of combined methods based on functional assessment and brain imaging to provide more detailed neuroanatomical specificity about residual activated areas at both cortical and subcortical levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Errante
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Stefania Ferraro
- MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 611731 Chengdu, China
- Neuroradiology Unit, Diagnostic and Technology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Greta Demichelis
- Neuroradiology Unit, Diagnostic and Technology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Pinardi
- Health Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Stanziano
- Neuroradiology Unit, Diagnostic and Technology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Neurosciences Department ‘Rita Levi Montalcini’, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Davide Sattin
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 20138 Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Rossi Sebastiano
- Neurophysiology Unit, Diagnostic and Technology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Rozzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Ludovico D’Incerti
- Neuroradiology Unit, Children’s Hospital A. Meyer—University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Eleonora Catricalà
- ICoN Cognitive Neuroscience Center, IUSS, Institute for Advances Studies, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Matilde Leonardi
- Disability Unit and Coma Research Centre, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Bruzzone
- Neuroradiology Unit, Diagnostic and Technology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Leonardo Fogassi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Anna Nigri
- Neuroradiology Unit, Diagnostic and Technology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
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4
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Medina Carrion JP, Stanziano M, D'Incerti L, Sattin D, Palermo S, Ferraro S, Sebastiano DR, Leonardi M, Bruzzone MG, Rosazza C, Nigri A. Disorder of consciousness: Structural integrity of brain networks for the clinical assessment. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2023; 10:384-396. [PMID: 36638220 PMCID: PMC10014003 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM When studying brain networks in patients with Disorders of Consciousness (DoC), it is important to evaluate the structural integrity of networks in addition to their functional activity. Here, we investigated whether structural MRI, together with clinical variables, can be useful for diagnostic purposes and whether a quantitative analysis is feasible in a group of chronic DoC patients. METHODS We studied 109 chronic patients with DoC and emerged from DoC with structural MRI: 65 in vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness state (VS/UWS), 34 in minimally conscious state (MCS), and 10 with severe disability. MRI data were analyzed through qualitative and quantitative approaches. RESULTS The qualitative MRI analysis outperformed the quantitative one, which resulted to be hardly feasible in chronic DoC patients. The results of the qualitative approach showed that the structural integrity of HighOrder networks, altogether, had better diagnostic accuracy than LowOrder networks, particularly when the model included clinical variables (AUC = 0.83). Diagnostic differences between VS/UWS and MCS were stronger in anoxic etiology than vascular and traumatic etiology. MRI data of all LowOrder and HighOrder networks correlated with the clinical score. The integrity of the left hemisphere was associated with a better clinical status. CONCLUSIONS Structural integrity of brain networks is sensitive to clinical severity. When patients are chronic, the qualitative analysis of MRI data is indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Paul Medina Carrion
- Diagnostic and Technology Department, Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Stanziano
- Diagnostic and Technology Department, Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy.,Neurosciences Department "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ludovico D'Incerti
- Diagnostic and Technology Department, Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy.,Radiology Unit, Children's Hospital A. Meyer-University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Davide Sattin
- IRCCS Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Palermo
- Diagnostic and Technology Department, Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy.,Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Stefania Ferraro
- Diagnostic and Technology Department, Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy.,School of Life Science and Technology, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Davide Rossi Sebastiano
- Department of Neurophysiology and Diagnostic, Epileptology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Matilde Leonardi
- Neurology, Public Health, Disability Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta
| | - Maria Grazia Bruzzone
- Diagnostic and Technology Department, Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Rosazza
- Diagnostic and Technology Department, Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy.,Department of Humanistic Studies, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Anna Nigri
- Diagnostic and Technology Department, Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
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5
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Lutkenhoff ES, Nigri A, Rossi Sebastiano D, Sattin D, Visani E, Rosazza C, D'Incerti L, Bruzzone MG, Franceschetti S, Leonardi M, Ferraro S, Monti MM. EEG Power spectra and subcortical pathology in chronic disorders of consciousness. Psychol Med 2022; 52:1491-1500. [PMID: 32962777 DOI: 10.1017/s003329172000330x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite a growing understanding of disorders of consciousness following severe brain injury, the association between long-term impairment of consciousness, spontaneous brain oscillations, and underlying subcortical damage, and the ability of such information to aid patient diagnosis, remains incomplete. METHODS Cross-sectional observational sample of 116 patients with a disorder of consciousness secondary to brain injury, collected prospectively at a tertiary center between 2011 and 2013. Multimodal analyses relating clinical measures of impairment, electroencephalographic measures of spontaneous brain activity, and magnetic resonance imaging data of subcortical atrophy were conducted in 2018. RESULTS In the final analyzed sample of 61 patients, systematic associations were found between electroencephalographic power spectra and subcortical damage. Specifically, the ratio of beta-to-delta relative power was negatively associated with greater atrophy in regions of the bilateral thalamus and globus pallidus (both left > right) previously shown to be preferentially atrophied in chronic disorders of consciousness. Power spectrum total density was also negatively associated with widespread atrophy in regions of the left globus pallidus, right caudate, and in the brainstem. Furthermore, we showed that the combination of demographics, encephalographic, and imaging data in an analytic framework can be employed to aid behavioral diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS These results ground, for the first time, electroencephalographic presentation detected with routine clinical techniques in the underlying brain pathology of disorders of consciousness and demonstrate how multimodal combination of clinical, electroencephalographic, and imaging data can be employed in potentially mitigating the high rates of misdiagnosis typical of this patient cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan S Lutkenhoff
- Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Brain Injury Research Center (BIRC), Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anna Nigri
- Department of Neuroradiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico 'Carlo Besta', Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Rossi Sebastiano
- Department of Neurophysiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico 'Carlo Besta', Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Sattin
- Neurology, Public Health, Disability Unit and Coma Research Centre, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico 'Carlo Besta', Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Visani
- Department of Neurophysiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico 'Carlo Besta', Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Rosazza
- Scientific Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico 'Carlo Besta', Milan, Italy
| | - Ludovico D'Incerti
- Department of Neuroradiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico 'Carlo Besta', Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Bruzzone
- Department of Neuroradiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico 'Carlo Besta', Milan, Italy
| | - Silvana Franceschetti
- Department of Neurophysiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico 'Carlo Besta', Milan, Italy
| | - Matilde Leonardi
- Neurology, Public Health, Disability Unit and Coma Research Centre, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico 'Carlo Besta', Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Ferraro
- Department of Neuroradiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico 'Carlo Besta', Milan, Italy
- School of Life Science and Technology, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China: On the behalf of the Coma Research Center, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico 'Carlo Besta', Milan, Italy
| | - Martin M Monti
- Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Brain Injury Research Center (BIRC), Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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6
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Aubinet C, Schnakers C, Majerus S. Language Assessment in Patients with Disorders of Consciousness. Semin Neurol 2022; 42:273-282. [PMID: 36100226 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1755561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The assessment of residual language abilities in patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) after severe brain injury is particularly challenging due to their limited behavioral repertoire. Moreover, associated language impairment such as receptive aphasia may lead to an underestimation of actual consciousness levels. In this review, we examine past research on the assessment of residual language processing in DoC patients, and we discuss currently available tools for identifying language-specific abilities and their prognostic value. We first highlight the need for validated and sensitive bedside behavioral assessment tools for residual language abilities in DoC patients. As regards neuroimaging and electrophysiological methods, the tasks involving higher level linguistic commands appear to be the most informative about level of consciousness and have the best prognostic value. Neuroimaging methods should be combined with the most appropriate behavioral tools in multimodal assessment protocols to assess receptive language abilities in DoC patients in the most complete and sensitive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlène Aubinet
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Caroline Schnakers
- Research Institute, Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare, Pomona, California
| | - Steve Majerus
- Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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7
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Aubinet C, Chatelle C, Gosseries O, Carrière M, Laureys S, Majerus S. Residual implicit and explicit language abilities in patients with disorders of consciousness: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:391-409. [PMID: 34864003 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Language assessment in post-comatose patients is difficult due to their limited behavioral repertoire; yet associated language deficits might lead to an underestimation of consciousness levels in unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) or minimally conscious state (MCS; -/+) diagnoses. We present a systematic review of studies from 2002 assessing residual language abilities with neuroimaging, electrophysiological or behavioral measures in patients with severe brain injury. Eighty-five articles including a total of 2278 patients were assessed for quality. The median percentages of patients showing residual implicit language abilities (i.e., cortical responses to specific words/sentences) were 33 % for UWS, 50 % for MCS- and 78 % for MCS + patients, whereas explicit language abilities (i.e., command-following using brain-computer interfaces) were reported in 20 % of UWS, 33 % of MCS- and 50 % of MCS + patients. Cortical responses to verbal stimuli increased along with consciousness levels and the progressive recovery of consciousness after a coma was paralleled by the reappearance of both implicit and explicit language processing. This review highlights the importance of language assessment in patients with disorders of consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlène Aubinet
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Belgium; Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Belgium.
| | - Camille Chatelle
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Belgium; Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Belgium
| | - Olivia Gosseries
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Belgium; Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Belgium; Fund for Scientific Research, FNRS, Belgium
| | - Manon Carrière
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Belgium; Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Belgium
| | - Steven Laureys
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Belgium; Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Belgium; Fund for Scientific Research, FNRS, Belgium
| | - Steve Majerus
- Fund for Scientific Research, FNRS, Belgium; Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, University of Liège, Belgium.
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8
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Ferraro S, Nigri A, D'Incerti L, Rosazza C, Sattin D, Rossi Sebastiano D, Visani E, Duran D, Marotta G, Demichelis G, Catricala' E, Kotz S, Verga L, Leonardi M, Cappa S, Bruzzone MG. Preservation of Language Processing and Auditory Performance in Patients With Disorders of Consciousness: A Multimodal Assessment. Front Neurol 2020; 11:526465. [PMID: 33408679 PMCID: PMC7779550 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.526465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of language impairment on the clinical assessment of patients suffering from disorders of consciousness (DOC) is unknown or underestimated and may mask the presence of conscious behavior. In a group of DOC patients (n = 11; time post-injury range: 5–252 months), we investigated the main neural functional and structural underpinnings of linguistic processing, and their relationship with the behavioral measures of the auditory function using the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R). We assessed the integrity of the brainstem auditory pathways, of the left superior temporal gyrus and arcuate fasciculus, the neural activity elicited by passive listening of an auditory language task, and the mean hemispheric glucose metabolism. Our results support the hypothesis of a relationship between the level of preservation of the investigated structures/functions and the CRS-R auditory subscale scores. Moreover, our findings indicate that patients in minimally conscious state minus (MCS−): (1) when presenting the auditory startle (at the CRS-R auditory subscale) might be aphasic in the receptive domain, being severely impaired in the core language structures/functions; (2) when presenting the localization to sound might retain language processing, being almost intact or intact in the core language structures/functions. Despite the small group of investigated patients, our findings provide a grounding of the clinical measures of the CRS-R auditory subscale in the integrity of the underlying auditory structures/functions. Future studies are needed to confirm our results that might have important consequences for the clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Ferraro
- School of Life Science and Technology, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,Neuroradiology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Nigri
- Neuroradiology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Ludovico D'Incerti
- Neuroradiology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Rosazza
- Neuroradiology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Sattin
- Neurology, Public Health, Disability Unit and Coma Research Centre, Fondazione IRCCS Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Rossi Sebastiano
- Department of Neurophysiology and Diagnostic Epileptology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Visani
- Department of Neurophysiology and Diagnostic Epileptology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Dunja Duran
- Department of Neurophysiology and Diagnostic Epileptology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Marotta
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Greta Demichelis
- Neuroradiology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Sonja Kotz
- Department of Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Laura Verga
- Department of Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Matilde Leonardi
- Neuroradiology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Cappa
- Department of Psychology, Scuola Universitaria Superiore, Pavia, Italy.,IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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9
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Li R, Du J, Chen W, Zhang Y, Song W. Exploring the neural correlates of self-related names in healthy subjects. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e23658. [PMID: 33371101 PMCID: PMC7748314 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000023658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to clarify the neural correlates and underlying mechanisms of the subject's own name (SON) and the unique name derived from the SON (SDN). METHODS A name that was most familiar to the subject (SFN) was added as a self-related reference. We used 4 auditory stimuli-pure tone (1000 Hz), SON, SDN, and SFN-to evaluate the corresponding activated brain areas in 19 healthy subjects by using functional magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS Our results demonstrated that pure tone activated the fewest brain regions. Although SFN was a very strong self-related stimulus, it failed to activate many midline structures. The brain regions activated by SON and SDN were very similar. SFN as a self-related stimulus was less self-related compared with SDN. What's more, the additionally activated fusiform gyrus and parahippocampal gyrus of SDN might revealed its processing path. CONCLUSIONS SDN, which has created by us, is a new and self-related stimulus similar to SON. They might provide a useful reference for consciousness assessment with SON and SDN.
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10
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Tan Y, Gajic O, Schulte PJ, Clark MM, Philbrick KL, Karnatovskaia LV. Feasibility of a Behavioral Intervention to Reduce Psychological Distress in Mechanically Ventilated Patients. Int J Clin Exp Hypn 2020; 68:419-432. [PMID: 32730136 DOI: 10.1080/00207144.2020.1795663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Many survivors of acute respiratory failure suffer from mood disorders following discharge from the hospital. We investigated the feasibility of intensivists delivering psychological support based on positive suggestion (PSBPS) to 20 intubated patients to reduce their psychological distress. Thirteen patients completed follow-up surveys. Of those, 9 remembered the intensive care unit physician talking to them, and 7 described it as comforting. Five patients (38%) met criteria for anxiety, depression, and acute stress. In comparison to historical controls, intervention may be associated with lower estimated odds of anxiety. PSBPS can be performed with patients in parallel with medical treatment to potentially reduce psychological morbidity and to humanize critical care. A larger randomized study is warranted to assess the efficacy of PSBPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanni Tan
- National University Hospital , Singapore
| | - Ognjen Gajic
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Phillip J Schulte
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Matthew M Clark
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kemuel L Philbrick
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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11
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Subcortical atrophy correlates with the perturbational complexity index in patients with disorders of consciousness. Brain Stimul 2020; 13:1426-1435. [PMID: 32717393 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2020.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The complexity of neurophysiological brain responses to direct cortical stimulation, referred to as the perturbational complexity index (PCI), has been shown able to discriminate between consciousness and unconsciousness in patients surviving severe brain injury as well as several other conditions (e.g., wake, dreamless sleep, sleep and ketamine dreaming, anesthesia). OBJECTIVE This study asks whether, in patients with a disorder of consciousness (DOC), the complexity of the neurophysiological response to cortical stimulation is preferentially associated with atrophy within specific brain structures. METHODS We perform a retrospective analysis of 40 DOC patients and correlate their maximal PCI to MR-based measurements of cortical thinning and subcortical atrophy. RESULTS PCI was systematically and inversely associated with the degree of local atrophy within the globus pallidus, a region previously linked to electrocortical and behavioral arousal. Conversely, we fail to detect any association between variance in cortical ribbon thickness and PCI. CONCLUSION These findings corroborate the previously reported association between pallidal atrophy and low behavioral arousal and suggest that this region's role in maintaining the overall balance of excitation and inhibition may critically affect the emergence of complex cortical interactions in chronic disorders of consciousness. This finding thus also suggests a target for potential neuromodulatory intervention in DOC patients.
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12
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Sattin D, Rossi Sebastiano D, D’Incerti L, Guido D, Marotta G, Benti R, Tirelli S, Magnani FG, Bersano A, Duran D, Ferraro S, Minati L, Nigri A, Rosazza C, Bianchi Marzoli S, Leonardi M. Visual behaviors in disorders of consciousness: Disentangling conscious visual processing by a multimodal approach. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 52:4345-4355. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Davide Sattin
- Neurology, Public health, Disability Unit / Coma Research Centre Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Milan Italy
| | - Davide Rossi Sebastiano
- Neurophysiology and Diagnostic Epileptology Unit Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Milan Italy
| | - Ludovico D’Incerti
- Neuroradiology Unit Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Milan Italy
| | - Davide Guido
- Neurology, Public health, Disability Unit / Coma Research Centre Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Milan Italy
| | - Giorgio Marotta
- Department of Nuclear Medicine Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milan Italy
| | - Riccardo Benti
- Department of Nuclear Medicine Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milan Italy
| | - Simone Tirelli
- Neurology, Public health, Disability Unit / Coma Research Centre Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Milan Italy
| | - Francesca Giulia Magnani
- Neurology, Public health, Disability Unit / Coma Research Centre Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Milan Italy
| | - Anna Bersano
- Neurology Unit UCV Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Milan Italy
| | - Dunja Duran
- Neurophysiology and Diagnostic Epileptology Unit Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Milan Italy
| | - Stefania Ferraro
- Neuroradiology Unit Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Milan Italy
| | - Ludovico Minati
- Direzione Scientifica Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Milan Italy
| | - Anna Nigri
- Neuroradiology Unit Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Milan Italy
| | - Cristina Rosazza
- Neuroradiology Unit Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Milan Italy
- Dipartimento di Studi Umanistici (DISTUM) Università degli Studi di Urbino Carlo Bo Urbino PU Italy
| | - Stefania Bianchi Marzoli
- Neuro‐Ophthalmology Center IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Scientific Institute Capitanio Hospital Milan Italy
| | - Matilde Leonardi
- Neurology, Public health, Disability Unit / Coma Research Centre Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Milan Italy
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13
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Kondziella D, Bender A, Diserens K, van Erp W, Estraneo A, Formisano R, Laureys S, Naccache L, Ozturk S, Rohaut B, Sitt JD, Stender J, Tiainen M, Rossetti AO, Gosseries O, Chatelle C. European Academy of Neurology guideline on the diagnosis of coma and other disorders of consciousness. Eur J Neurol 2020; 27:741-756. [PMID: 32090418 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 325] [Impact Index Per Article: 81.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Patients with acquired brain injury and acute or prolonged disorders of consciousness (DoC) are challenging. Evidence to support diagnostic decisions on coma and other DoC is limited but accumulating. This guideline provides the state-of-the-art evidence regarding the diagnosis of DoC, summarizing data from bedside examination techniques, functional neuroimaging and electroencephalography (EEG). METHODS Sixteen members of the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Scientific Panel on Coma and Chronic Disorders of Consciousness, representing 10 European countries, reviewed the scientific evidence for the evaluation of coma and other DoC using standard bibliographic measures. Recommendations followed the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. The guideline was endorsed by the EAN. RESULTS Besides a comprehensive neurological examination, the following suggestions are made: probe for voluntary eye movements using a mirror; repeat clinical assessments in the subacute and chronic setting, using the Coma Recovery Scale - Revised; use the Full Outline of Unresponsiveness score instead of the Glasgow Coma Scale in the acute setting; obtain clinical standard EEG; search for sleep patterns on EEG, particularly rapid eye movement sleep and slow-wave sleep; and, whenever feasible, consider positron emission tomography, resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), active fMRI or EEG paradigms and quantitative analysis of high-density EEG to complement behavioral assessment in patients without command following at the bedside. CONCLUSIONS Standardized clinical evaluation, EEG-based techniques and functional neuroimaging should be integrated for multimodal evaluation of patients with DoC. The state of consciousness should be classified according to the highest level revealed by any of these three approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Kondziella
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Neurosciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - A Bender
- Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.,Therapiezentrum Burgau, Burgau, Germany
| | - K Diserens
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - W van Erp
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Department of Primary Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A Estraneo
- Neurology Unit, Santa Maria della Pietà General Hospital, Nola, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Florence, Italy
| | - R Formisano
- Post-Coma Unit, Neurorehabilitation Hospital and Research Institution, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - S Laureys
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - L Naccache
- Department of Neurology, AP-HP, Groupe hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Faculté de Médecine Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - S Ozturk
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - B Rohaut
- Department of Neurology, AP-HP, Groupe hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Faculté de Médecine Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,Neuro-ICU, Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - J D Sitt
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, Faculté de Médecine Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - J Stender
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Tiainen
- Department of Neurology, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A O Rossetti
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - O Gosseries
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - C Chatelle
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Laboratory for NeuroImaging of Coma and Consciousness - Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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14
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Kwiatkowska A, Lech M, Odya P, Czyżewski A. Post-comatose patients with minimal consciousness tend to preserve reading comprehension skills but neglect syntax and spelling. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19929. [PMID: 31882697 PMCID: PMC6934549 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56443-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern eye tracking technology provides a means for communication with patients suffering from disorders of consciousness (DoC) or remaining in locked-in-state. However, being able to use an eye tracker for controlling text-based contents by such patients requires preserved reading ability in the first place. To our knowledge, this aspect, although of great social importance, so far has seemed to be neglected. In the paper, we presented the possibility of using an eye-tracking technology for assessing reading comprehension skills in post-comatose patients with minimal consciousness. We prepared various syllable-, word- and sentence-based tasks, controlled by gaze, used for assessing the reading comprehension skills. The obtained results showed that people with minimal consciousness preserved the reading comprehension skills, in most cases to a high extent, but had difficulties with recognizing errors in the written text. The ability to maintain attention during performing the tasks was in statistically significant correlation with motivation, and that one was in a statistically significant correlation with the reading ability. The results indicate that post-comatose patients with minimal consciousness can read words and sentences, hence some useful hints may be provided for the development of gaze tracking-based human-computer interfaces for these people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Kwiatkowska
- Department of Multimedia Systems, Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunication and Informatics, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Michał Lech
- Department of Multimedia Systems, Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunication and Informatics, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Piotr Odya
- Department of Multimedia Systems, Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunication and Informatics, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Andrzej Czyżewski
- Department of Multimedia Systems, Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunication and Informatics, Gdansk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
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15
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Berlingeri M, Magnani FG, Salvato G, Rosanova M, Bottini G. Neuroimaging Studies on Disorders of Consciousness: A Meta-Analytic Evaluation. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8040516. [PMID: 31014041 PMCID: PMC6517954 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8040516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroimaging tools could open a window on residual neurofunctional activity in the absence of detectable behavioural responses in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC). Nevertheless, the literature on this topic is characterised by a large heterogeneity of paradigms and methodological approaches that can undermine the reproducibility of the results. To explicitly test whether task-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can be used to systematically detect neurofunctional differences between different classes of DOC, and whether these differences are related with a specific category of cognitive tasks (either active or passive), we meta-analyzed 22 neuroimaging studies published between 2005 and 2017 using the Activation Likelihood Estimate method. The results showed that: (1) active and passive tasks rely on well-segregated patterns of activations; (2) both unresponsive wakeful syndrome and patients in minimally conscious state activated a large portion of the dorsal-attentional network; (3) shared activations between patients fell mainly in the passive activation map (7492 voxels), while only 48 voxels fell in a subcortical region of the active-map. Our results suggest that DOCs can be described along a continuum—rather than as separated clinical categories—and characterised by a widespread dysfunction of brain networks rather than by the impairment of a well functionally anatomically defined one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Berlingeri
- Department of Humanistic Studies (DISTUM), University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy.
- Center of Clinical Developmental Neuropsychology, ASUR Marche, Area Vasta 1 Pesaro, 61122 Pesaro, Italy.
- NeuroMi, Milan Center for Neuroscience, 20126 Milano, Italy.
| | - Francesca Giulia Magnani
- NeuroMi, Milan Center for Neuroscience, 20126 Milano, Italy.
- Center of Cognitive Neuropsychology, ASTT Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milano, Italy.
| | - Gerardo Salvato
- NeuroMi, Milan Center for Neuroscience, 20126 Milano, Italy.
- Center of Cognitive Neuropsychology, ASTT Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milano, Italy.
- Brain and Behavioral Science Department, Università degli Studi di Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Mario Rosanova
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "Luigi Sacco", University of Milan, 20122 Milano, Italy.
- Fondazione Europea di Ricerca Biomedica Onlus, 20063 Milan, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Bottini
- NeuroMi, Milan Center for Neuroscience, 20126 Milano, Italy.
- Center of Cognitive Neuropsychology, ASTT Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milano, Italy.
- Brain and Behavioral Science Department, Università degli Studi di Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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16
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Ferraro S, Nigri A, Nava S, Rosazza C, Sattin D, Sebastiano DR, Porcu L, Bruzzone MG, Marotta G, Benti R, Redolfi A, Matilde L, D'Incerti L. Interhemispherical Anatomical Disconnection in Disorders of Consciousness Patients. J Neurotrauma 2019; 36:1535-1543. [PMID: 30520674 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2018.5820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In patients with disorder of consciousness (DOC), the corpus callosum (CC) and subcortical white matter (SWM) integrity were shown to discriminate between diagnostic categories. The aims of the study were: (1) to clarify the link between the integrity of CC and of SWM and the clinical status in DOC patients, disentangling the role played by the different brain injuries (traumatic or hemorrhagic brain injury); (2) to investigate the relationship between the CC integrity and the brain metabolism. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of the CC and SWM integrity, using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI), in a sample of DOC individuals, well balanced for diagnosis and etiology. The CC DTI-derived measures were correlated with the brain metabolism, computed with fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. Our results showed that the CC macrostructural DTI-derived measures discriminate between diagnosis and correlate with the clinical status of DOC patients irrespective of the etiology. Moreover, the CC DTI-derived measures strongly correlate with the metabolism of the right hemisphere. No significant diagnostic accuracy emerged for the CC sMRI evaluation and the SWM measures. Our results indicate that: (1) the degree of the interhemispherical anatomical disconnection is a marker of the level of consciousness independent from the type of brain injury; (2) CC alterations might be the consequence of the reduced brain metabolism. Remarkably, our results suggest that the functional interplay between the two hemispheres is linked tightly to the level of consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Nigri
- 1 Neuroradiology Department, " Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Davide Sattin
- 3 Neurology, Public Health, Disability Unit, and " Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Rossi Sebastiano
- 4 Neurophysiology Department of Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta," Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Porcu
- 5 Laboratory of Methodology for Clinical Research, Oncology Department, IRCCS Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri," Milan, Italy
| | | | - Giorgio Marotta
- 6 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore, Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Benti
- 6 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore, Milan, Italy
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17
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Aubinet C, Larroque SK, Heine L, Martial C, Majerus S, Laureys S, Di Perri C. Clinical subcategorization of minimally conscious state according to resting functional connectivity. Hum Brain Mapp 2018; 39:4519-4532. [PMID: 29972267 PMCID: PMC6866360 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients in minimally conscious state (MCS) have been subcategorized in MCS plus and MCS minus, based on command-following, intelligible verbalization or intentional communication. We here aimed to better characterize the functional neuroanatomy of MCS based on this clinical subcategorization by means of resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Resting state fMRI was acquired in 292 MCS patients and a seed-based analysis was conducted on a convenience sample of 10 MCS plus patients, 9 MCS minus patients and 35 healthy subjects. We investigated the left and right frontoparietal networks (FPN), auditory network, default mode network (DMN), thalamocortical connectivity and DMN between-network anticorrelations. We also employed an analysis based on regions of interest (ROI) to examine interhemispheric connectivity and investigated intergroup differences in gray/white matter volume by means of voxel-based morphometry. We found a higher connectivity in MCS plus as compared to MCS minus in the left FPN, specifically between the left dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex and left temporo-occipital fusiform cortex. No differences between patient groups were observed in the auditory network, right FPN, DMN, thalamocortical and interhemispheric connectivity, between-network anticorrelations and gray/white matter volume. Our preliminary group-level results suggest that the clinical subcategorization of MCS may involve functional connectivity differences in a language-related executive control network. MCS plus and minus patients are seemingly not differentiated by networks associated to auditory processing, perception of surroundings and internal awareness/self-mentation, nor by interhemispheric integration and structural brain damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlène Aubinet
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Research Center and Neurology DepartmentUniversity and University Hospital of LiègeLiègeBelgium
| | - Stephen Karl Larroque
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Research Center and Neurology DepartmentUniversity and University Hospital of LiègeLiègeBelgium
| | - Lizette Heine
- Auditory Cognition and Psychoacoustics Team – Lyon Neuroscience Research Center (UCBL, CNRS UMR5292, Inserm U1028)LyonFrance
| | - Charlotte Martial
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Research Center and Neurology DepartmentUniversity and University Hospital of LiègeLiègeBelgium
| | - Steve Majerus
- Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research UnitUniversity of LiegeBelgium
| | - Steven Laureys
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Research Center and Neurology DepartmentUniversity and University Hospital of LiègeLiègeBelgium
| | - Carol Di Perri
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Research Center and Neurology DepartmentUniversity and University Hospital of LiègeLiègeBelgium
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences UK Dementia Research Institute, Centre for Dementia PreventionUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUnited Kingdom
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18
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Aubinet C, Murphy L, Bahri MA, Larroque SK, Cassol H, Annen J, Carrière M, Wannez S, Thibaut A, Laureys S, Gosseries O. Brain, Behavior, and Cognitive Interplay in Disorders of Consciousness: A Multiple Case Study. Front Neurol 2018; 9:665. [PMID: 30154755 PMCID: PMC6103268 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (DoC) after severe brain injury may present residual behavioral and cognitive functions. Yet the bedside assessment of these functions is compromised by patients' multiple impairments. Standardized behavioral scales such as the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) have been developed to diagnose DoC, but there is also a need for neuropsychological measurement in these patients. The Cognitive Assessment by Visual Election (CAVE) was therefore recently created. In this study, we describe five patients in minimally conscious state (MCS) or emerging from the MCS (EMCS). Their cognitive profiles, derived from the CRS-R and CAVE, are presented alongside their neuroimaging results using structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET). Scores on the CAVE decreased along with the CRS-R total score, establishing a consistent behavioral/cognitive profile for each patient. Out of these five cases, the one with highest CRS-R and CAVE performance had the least extended cerebral hypometabolism. All patients showed structural and functional brain impairments that were consistent with their behavioral/cognitive profile as based on previous literature. For instance, the presence of visual and motor residual functions was respectively associated with a relative preservation of occipital and motor cortex/cerebellum metabolism. Moreover, residual language comprehension skills were found in the presence of preserved temporal and angular cortex metabolism. Some patients also presented structural impairment of hippocampus, suggesting the presence of memory impairments. Our results suggest that brain-behavior relationships might be observed even in severely brain-injured patients and they highlight the importance of developing new tools to assess residual cognition and language in MCS and EMCS patients. Indeed, a better characterization of their cognitive profile will be helpful in preparation of rehabilitation programs and daily routines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlène Aubinet
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness and Neurology Department, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Lesley Murphy
- Department for Neuro and Clinical Health Psychology, St George's University Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mohamed A Bahri
- GIGA-Cyclotron Research Center in Vivo Imaging, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Stephen K Larroque
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness and Neurology Department, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Helena Cassol
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness and Neurology Department, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jitka Annen
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness and Neurology Department, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Manon Carrière
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness and Neurology Department, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Sarah Wannez
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness and Neurology Department, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Aurore Thibaut
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness and Neurology Department, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Steven Laureys
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness and Neurology Department, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Olivia Gosseries
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness and Neurology Department, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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